OldFlameInBrightNewClothes
From IMiA
The Duchess is dressed in a navy blue sheath dress. The top edge of this strapless gown is accented with woven silver ribbon, as is the hem. There is a single slit along the left edge, which stops just above the knee. Everything about the gown speaks that it originated outside of Amber and likely won't last long at the center - a luxurious waste, unless she's going to send it back when this is over. She has matching navy gloves tied above her elbows with silver ribbon as well.
Juliana has also given over her usual lady's braids for a different hair-style entirely. Her golden blonde hair has been pressed straight, and hangs in a sheet down her back to end in a neat line just at her hips. Her only jewelry are the small diamonds hanging from her earlobes, and a single larger diamond depending from a thin navy choker around her throat.
With the heels she's wearing, she stands even with her husband at 6'2". Said husband is standing right after her, inside the doorway. [I'll let Kit describe Phillip's fancy getup.] Juliana turns from her last guest and spots the Count coming up the walk. She grins and shakes her head at his appearance.
In honor of his hosts, Rodrigo is wearing the formal court outfit of a Gaigan Count, Duke, or illegitimate son of a King. The distinctive short jacket, bright yellow shirt, and tight fitting pants are both flattering and functional. The outfit looks incomplete without a sword, but one so seldom needs more than cutting words at a dinner party.
Rodrigo smiles as he sees her, but does not deflect from his trajectory. He arrives at the door, removes his hat, and bows in the traditional fashion, presenting his calf. His mop of loose curls is as neat as such a thing can be.
Seeing that it is just the three of them, he speaks casually. "Pinegar, I'm afraid my congratulations on the confirmation of your honors are quite late. I am, as usual, behind on the news. However, I can in timely fashion thank you for so graciously asking me to dine with you this evening, the invitation was a pleasant surprise." He smiles.
"Thank you," Phillip smiles. "It has been a long time, old friend. It is good to be together in Amber again."
Rod nods. "And not outfitting companies for the defence of Amber, either. It is good to be able to focus on less martial troubles."
He indicates the ladies with a smile. "You of course remember my dearest sister Patrice and my lovely wife Juliana."
Patrice has just arrived at the door. She is dressed in deep burgundy with simple accents of gold. Her outfit and jewelry seem plain, almost severe, next to those of many of the other noble ladies present but the style suits her. Compared to the Duchess, she looks downright conservative.
Of course, she isn't wearing a blade either.
She offers Rod a smile. There's a cutting remark under it that's dying to come out, but she keeps that sheathed for the moment.
Rod smiles at Patrice's approach. "If ever you find a man who could forget the two proofs that Dame Fortune has favored you both in blood and in matrimony, Pinegar, then we should exhibit him as a unique specimen." Rod bows to the newly arrived Patrice.
"Ah, you haven't lost your poetic nature in all your days at sea, at least, my lord," Juliana grins. "How have you been?"
"Some say that being at sea is the cause of a poetic nature. In this, it is not unlike scurvy, albiet on a different type of sea. It is a condition I have learned to live with. It's good to be home."
"It is, indeed, a good season for returns," Patrice agrees. "Welcome back, Oisenmouth."
"Indeed, and in such pretty clothes, too," Juliana smiles brightly, eyes sparkling. "Gaigan fashion suits you."
He nods in acknowledgement. "I've always preferred trousers to some of the alternatives that the Golden Circle offers. Not as drafty."
Phillip smiles a small smile and does not comment.
"Perhaps I should take you in and introduce you around. We have quite a crowd this evening. Some of them you won't even know yet," Patrice suggests to Oisenmouth. She looks to Juliana and Phillip for approval of this plan.
"You honor me," Rod says, simply, and offers his arm to Phillip's sister.
And Patrice leads the Count away.
-- Main.LizTrumitch - 05 Feb 2005
